In a bold and forward-looking address, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has declared that the party’s mission transcends merely securing political power in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Mark articulated a vision for the ADC that prioritizes creating a lasting political legacy over short-term electoral victories. His speech outlined a transformative blueprint for the party, emphasizing principles of inclusivity, meritocracy, and governance that prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians across all walks of life.
A Vision for a Lasting Legacy
Senator Mark, a former Senate President, was unequivocal in stating that the ADC’s ambitions extend far beyond the pursuit of power for its own sake. “We are not seeking power for power’s sake, but to build a lasting legacy,” he emphasized, framing the party’s journey as a marathon rather than a sprint. He urged the NWC to approach their work with determination, stating, “We are in a marathon; we must compete and win. Failure is not an option.” This resolute stance underscores the party’s commitment to establishing itself as a formidable institution that will outlive any individual or fleeting political moment.
Mark envisioned the ADC as a unique political entity in Nigeria’s history, one that would be “bigger than any personality, stronger than any moment.” He described the party as pan-African, people-oriented, and deeply attuned to the needs of diverse groups, including persons with disabilities, retirees, workers, women, youth, farmers, professionals, retired security officers, educators, civil society, and other vulnerable populations. This inclusive approach, he argued, would set the ADC apart from other political parties in Nigeria’s history, positioning it as a movement sensitive to the aspirations and challenges of all Nigerians.
Leadership Built on Four Pillars
Central to the ADC’s vision is a leadership standard that Mark described as non-negotiable. This standard rests on four key pillars: character, competence, courage, and discipline. These principles, he said, would guide the party’s decision-making processes, shape its internal culture, and define its interactions with the public. By adhering to these values, the ADC aims to foster trust and credibility among Nigerians, ensuring that its leaders are not only capable but also principled and resolute in their commitment to public service.
Mark emphasized that the party’s leadership comprises respected individuals from every corner of Nigeria who have chosen service over personal comfort. “The conveners of this mission are respected leaders who have freely chosen service over comfort,” he noted. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he warned that the path to realizing the ADC’s vision would be arduous, requiring sacrifice and resilience in the face of resistance from those who feel threatened by the party’s democratic ideals. “The road will be uphill; sacrifice will be demanded. Those threatened by democracy will resist it. Still, we advance—calmly, courageously, together as a formidable team,” he declared.
A New Political Blueprint
To translate its vision into reality, the ADC has outlined a comprehensive political blueprint that prioritizes citizens’ welfare, institutional integrity, and merit-based governance. Key components of this blueprint include:
Citizens First: The ADC places the needs and aspirations of Nigerians at the heart of its agenda, ensuring that policies and programs are designed to uplift the masses rather than serve narrow interests.
Supremacy of Rules Over Personality: The party is committed to establishing a system where rules and principles take precedence over individual influence, fostering transparency and accountability.
Open Party with Independent Audits: To build trust, the ADC will conduct independent annual audits, ensuring financial and operational transparency.
Merit Before Loyalty: The party will prioritize competence and capability over blind loyalty, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are entrusted with leadership roles.
Dignity and Inclusion for Special Interest Groups: The ADC is committed to promoting the dignity and inclusion of marginalized and special interest groups, including workers, women, youth, farmers, professionals, retired security officers, educators, persons with disabilities, retirees, and civil society.
This blueprint reflects the ADC’s determination to create a political platform that is both inclusive and forward-thinking, capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges while fostering unity and progress.
Operational Reforms and Structural Development
Mark outlined several urgent tasks for the NWC to ensure the ADC’s vision is operationalized effectively. Chief among these is a comprehensive review of the party’s constitution to align it with the new political order. The NWC has been tasked with developing a code of ethics, establishing financing rules, and implementing compliance systems to ensure accountability and integrity within the party.
Additionally, the ADC aims to build robust organizational structures at the ward, local government, and state levels. These structures will include trained organizers, digital registers, and service desks to enhance grassroots engagement and accessibility. “We must establish functional ward, local government, and state structures with trained organizers, digital registers, and service desks,” Mark stated, emphasizing the importance of a strong grassroots presence.
To nurture future leaders, the ADC plans to establish a merit-based leadership academy focused on policy development, ethical governance, effective communication, and service delivery. This academy will serve as a pipeline for grooming credible and competent leaders who embody the party’s four-pillar standard.
Candidate Selection and Policy Priorities
Mark was clear that the ADC will only field candidates who meet its rigorous standards of character, competence, courage, and discipline. “The NWC will field only credible and viable candidates who meet the party’s four-pillar standard,” he affirmed. This commitment to quality ensures that the ADC will present candidates who are not only capable of winning elections but also of delivering transformative governance.
Should the ADC assume power, Mark outlined key policy priorities that would define its governance agenda. These include:
Economic Stability and Productivity: The party will pursue price stability and economic productivity through credible, rule-based coordination of fiscal and monetary policies. This approach aims to create a stable economic environment that fosters growth and development.
Reliable Power Supply: The ADC plans to expand power generation, address transmission bottlenecks, and incentivize distribution performance to ensure a consistent and reliable electricity supply across Nigeria.
Food Security: The party is committed to supporting farmers and strengthening agricultural value chains, from inputs and storage to processing and market access, to secure Nigeria’s food supply.
These policy priorities reflect the ADC’s focus on addressing critical challenges that have long hindered Nigeria’s progress, from economic instability to inadequate infrastructure and food insecurity.
A Call to Action
Senator David Mark’s address was both a vision statement and a call to action for the ADC’s leadership and supporters. He acknowledged the challenges of building a political movement in a complex and often resistant political landscape but expressed unwavering confidence in the party’s ability to succeed. By prioritizing inclusivity, meritocracy, and principled leadership, the ADC aims to redefine Nigeria’s political culture and create a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit.
As the ADC prepares for the 2027 elections and beyond, its focus on building a robust institutional framework, nurturing credible leaders, and addressing the needs of all Nigerians positions it as a party with the potential to drive meaningful change. With its ambitious blueprint and unwavering commitment to its core values, the ADC is poised to challenge the status quo and offer Nigerians a new kind of political leadership—one that is pan-African, people-oriented, and dedicated to the common good.
In conclusion, the ADC’s vision, as articulated by Senator Mark, is not just about winning elections but about transforming Nigeria’s political landscape. By emphasizing character, competence, courage, and discipline, the party seeks to build a movement that is resilient, inclusive, and capable of delivering on its promises. As Nigeria navigates its complex socio-political challenges, the ADC’s commitment to a citizen-centered, merit-based, and transparent approach could resonate with voters seeking a credible alternative to traditional political parties. The road ahead may be uphill, but the ADC is ready to advance—calmly, courageously, and together as a formidable team.
